There are many different ways to make your home more energy-efficient. In the hot Australian climate, homes need to be airy and cool to be comfortable in the warmer months of the year. Many solutions in the previous century have relied upon carbon-based electricity or other sources to provide air conditioning, but with inevitable climate change and increased concerns over pollution, many are choosing the green options available, such as plantation shutters, solar panels and other home improvements.

The following are some of the ways in which you can increase the energy-efficiency of any home in Australia, regardless of location.

Solar Panels and Wind Turbines

You can generate some of your own electricity, which can then be sold back to the grid to reduce your energy costs. This means that the company needs to generate less electricity by burning fossil fuels. With modern technology and the improved photovoltaic solar panels, it is possible to power an entire home throughout the year with just a minimal infrastructure installation. This in many cases is also subsidised by the government and other private programs.

Other Home Improvements

There are many other ways to improve the energy-efficiency of your home. You can install plantation shutters that will allow you to manipulate incoming light and air to your required level of comfort. By installing fly screens in front of the shutters, which are permanently fixed into your window frames, you can allow air in freely without worrying about pests and insects.

A good ventilation system that is built into the roof and walls, coupled with proper insulation is also essential for keeping a home cool during the summer and warm if needed in the winter. Skylights and tinted windows are also great options for keeping a home cool and many Australians are also choosing to paint their roofs with lighter colours to help with reflecting heat away from living areas.

Homie Zone

When founder Charlotte Zones renovated her home, she started the way these projects often do: with a tall stack of magazines and referrals for home professionals from people she used to know. But after those piles of torn out pages failed to make her dream to be a reality, she felt stuck. There had to be a better way.

So, Charlotte Jones built Homiezone. A place to browse and save beautiful home photos along with blogs. A place to find the right design and construction professionals tips. A place to connect with others who have been there too. Homiezone started as a side project but has become a community, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals—across the country and around the world.